Reflections

Riobamba is one of the most beautiful places to live, surrounded by majestic mountains and wonderful people. After being here a week, there would also be some things that would take some time to get used to.

NOISES: lots of noises, day and night - sirens, all types of car horns that sound like alarms, dogs barking especially at night, roosters crowing which I love, musical garbage trucks, loud speakers on cars making announcements in the streets.

ALTITUDE: Any form of work or exercise can make you tired and a bit dizzy. I often find myself taking extra breaths, but usually don't think about it.

DRIVING: aggressive driving, horns blowing, making three lanes out of two, trucks...

MEAL SCHEDULE: breakfast first thing in the morning, big lunch between 1 and 3 in the afernoon, evening meal sometime between 7:30 p.m. and midnight.

IMPROMPTU: Nothing is ever certain untl it happens. You can make plans, but don't expect them to happen. Wait, wait, wait... and then suddenly now! Vamos! hurry up and wait.

These are a few differences in culture that would take some getting used to. Below are some things that I love about Ecuador!

BEAUTY: snow-capped mountains, lakes, volcanoes, blue skies, flowers, people, colthing, warm sunshine, afternoon breezes, dark blue skies, white fluffy clouds.

CELEBRATIONS: People love life and love celebrating life. If there is something to celebrate, they will find it. Que Viva!

FAMILY: Family, relationships, and extended family are all important. Close friends are treated like family.

GREETINGS: Hugs, kisses, warm embraces.

ACTS OF KINDNESS: People will go out of their way for you making great sacrifices of time and money.

FUN WITH FRIENDS: Lots of time for friends and spending time together - including the adults. Rather than retreating to your own house for the evening, you find someone to be with. Much of the socialization revovles around food. Where there is food, friends quickly gather.

These are a few reflections after being here for one week and may be a bit premature. I'm sure there will be more reflections later.